Washington Nationals (28-27) vs Atlanta Braves (32-22)
This is an important series between the Nationals and Braves this weekend and the Nationals struck first taking game 1 – thought it may have cost them ace Stephen Strasburg.
Saturday June 1
Turner Field – Atlanta, GA
7:15PM
Probable Starters:
WAS: Gio Gonzalez (L)
ATL: Tim Hudson (R)
Moneyline: Atlanta -135, Washington +125
O/U: 7.5
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Washington
Washington remains one of the most enigmatic teams in the league as they struggle to stay above water in a National League that is probably more competitive than many anticipated. This is the third series of the season between these two rivals and the Nats need to win these games to threaten Atlanta.
They lost their fist 5 of the year against the Braves but took the last three.
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Even if Strasburg is out for a while the Nats have some good arms in Gio Gonzalez and others. Gonzalez has not been nearly as sharp as he was last season and a large part of that has been due to the games he has started against Atlanta. In three starts by Gonzalez against ATL the Nats have been ourtscored 22 to 2.
When facing other teams he has been much more effective but he still needs to cut down on his walks. Now would also be a good time to put up a strong performance and try and give the bullpen a break.
Atlanta
The Braves red hot start has cooled but they were so good in April and the rest of the division so unremarkable that they still enjoy a comfortable lead atop the National League East. Part of the way they built that lead was by taking the first 5 games of the season against Washington, thoroughly dominating the action. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
The story has flipped recently but they still have the remainder of this series at home where they are a very good 16 – 7, second best in the National League.
Starter Tim Hudson has been one of the most consistent and reliable starters in the Majors throughout his career but he is really fighting it this season with an ERA over 5.
His peripherals look alright though so it good be a bit of bad luck which might be cured by seeing the Nats in the other dugout.
Hudson has dominated Washington with a 16-5 career record with an ERA of 2.55. That includes one start this season, a 7 inning 1 ER performance back in April – his best start of the season. Its funny how some teams just bring out the best in players.
This is a really tough one to call. I am leaning with Atlanta because I am strong believer that better days are ahead for Hudson, who has historically been money against the Nats. The Washington lineup is underperforming but so have those talks of Justin Upton hitting 87 homers. Atlanta is so good at home and should bounce back accordingly. You might want to look at series prices for this one on ATL.
Should be good value.
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Atlanta 5 – Washington 3
